A Contextual Analysis of Group Interventions with Male Perpetrators of Abuse* Amit A. Shahane, M.S. & Krista M. Chronister, Ph.D. University of Oregon American Psychological Association's Summit on Violence and Abuse in Relationships, 2008 Abstract It is estimated that 800,000 to 1.5 million women living in the United States experience intimate partner violence each year (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1998; Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1998; World Health Organization, 2001). Male-to-female intimate abuse remains the most common form of domestic violence with the most significant health consequences to women (World Health Organization, 2001). Batterer intervention programs (BIPs) are the accepted method of rehabilitation for males who abuse their intimate partners. The effectiveness of BIPs, however, has been the subject of much debate. It is estimated that between 32%-40% of men who receive treatment re-assault their partners within five years after treatment (Gondolf, 2002; Shepard, 1992). The purpose of this poster is to provide a broad critique and ecological analysis of BIPs; specifically the most commonly used treatment modality - group treatment. Based on our extensive clinical and research experiences with BIPs and men convicted of domestic violence assaults, we consider the various cultural and contextual factors that are not integrated into many BIPs, and consequently may compromise the effectiveness of such programs. We use an ecological framework (Bronfenbrenner, 1989) to analyze systematically and critique BIP paradigms and implementation and community coordination across the ecology. Ecological Model (Brofrenbrenner, 1989) Individual - encompasses factors biological factors, including different forms of psychopathology, temperament, etc. Microsystem - comprised of people and communities with whom the individual batterer has direct contact Mesosystem - quality and frequency of relationships between microsystems Exosystem - interconnections between one or more settings that do not involve the individual Macrosystem - social blue print that includes our values, belief systems, social structure, gender role socialization, global economy, etc. Chronosystem - the interconnection between individual development and the environment over time (e.g., historical events, eras, etc.). Assumptions of Ecological Model 1. An individual and his environment are continually interacting and changing 2. An individual is an active participant in his development and is not merely acted upon, but has the potential to exert influence and power within his environment 3. Bidirectionality - changes in one ecological system influence other ecological systems **These assumptions are congruent with our view of batterer treatment; the individual batterer must be held responsible for his actions and treatment must consider men’s violence across sociocultural contexts. Major BIP Treatment Paradigms Feminist Model - etiology of male to female abuse entails patriarchal notions intertwined with societal acceptance of men using abusive behavior towards women (Pence & Paymar, 1993). Critique - Feminist models, however, fail to acknowledge biological factors that may influence men choosing abusive behaviors Cognitive-Behavioral Model - addresses the cognitive and emotional processes that underlie behavioral responses. Critique - The focus on internal processes diverts attention from environmental factors (i.e. societal acceptance) that contribute to male to female abuse Psychodynamic Model - examination of prior victimization in early childhood and its subsequent impact on personality, attachment, and sense of self. Critique - Men may more readily take a victim’s stance and excuse their actions based on their prior family and cultural histories. **It is important to note that these models are often used in conjunction, but little research has examined how they are integrated. Implications for Practice and Policy 1. Treatment Considerations- Must address multiple contextual issues across all levels of ecology that impact treatment efficacy. Agency Costs Transportation Program Length Co-facilitator Relationship 2. Treatment Content -treatment content must match the theoretical treatment paradigm and outcomes identified as most salient for male perpetrators of abuse. Assignments - An ecological analysis of group treatment content reveals that treatment content is often highly verbal, involves completion of many writing assignments, and requires men to quickly process group content. Ecological Considerations for homework assignments consist of examining: Literacy Levels Learning and Cognitive Disabilities Educational Attainment Mental and Physical Disabilities 3. Cultural relevance - An ecological analysis also considers the cultural relevance of treatment content. The meaning of violence towards women and abuse across cultures. Utilizes cultural strengths and values to prevent justification of violence as well as analyzes cultural values that promote violence (Aldarondo & Mederos, 1999). 4. Privilege - Attention to specific cultures and other forms of privilege aside from “male privilege” are lacking in BIP group treatment models. White Privilege Heterosexual Privilege Able-body Privilege Privilege related to Language 5.Policy implications for Facilitator Training State-mandated certification for facilitators vary by state. Hence, facilitators in BIPs have varying degrees of education in often unrelated fields. The lack of a specified degree of education influences treatment services provided to men. Therapeutic factors such as (a) facilitator cultural background, (b) personal and professional experiences, (c) relationships with co-facilitators, and (d) cultural competency may impact the effectiveness of treatment.